After conversing with his father, Seth wondered a great deal about Don's findings. It made him anxious, but it excited him to the possibilities as well. Yet, he kept thinking about how he had behaved towards Gabby. When she caught him trying to steal his way downstairs, she had seemed so distraught. Though Seth had sensed how she felt about him then, he wasn't so sure if he had discouraged her with his earlier rebuff.

Seth had been confident that getting away from temptation was the right thing to do. However, his dad had made a valid point that he should face this challenge. Because of the findings and the advice given, Seth realized he was going to have to speak with Gabby. But, not until she had calmed down first!

Seth was walking back towards the pool area when saw her sitting next to Rahab. It looked as if the two of them were engaged in a conversation. Their heads were close together as they talked. Then it appeared as if Rahab was embracing Gabby in a hug. Seth started feeling a little uncomfortable, sensing something was going on. Mike and Raph were no longer there, however. "They must be in the house. Glad Raph is feeling well enough to only need Mike for assistance!!" Seth thought. That was good news, for sure!
As he approached the patio, Rahab looked over at him and the expression on her face was not very kind. He grimaced out of reflex as her displeasure with him was clearly evident. It was obvious, too, that Gabriella had been crying; her eyes were nearly as red as her hair. Rahab shook her head at her son as if to admonish him. Then she went back to consoling Gabby. Hoping to find some sanctuary from the seething atmosphere outside, Seth hunched his shoulders and made for the house. He thought he could hide away there until things had calmed down. He couldn't have been more wrong.

Raph was sitting in one of the armchairs in the family room. He had seen his nephew enter the house through the sliding door. He waited! When Seth finally noticed him, the look on his uncle's face seemed like the Raph of old; his expression taught with controlled rage. Seth knew in that instant, if his uncle were willing, he would not have had a chance to wonder what was wrong. He would have found himself plastered up against a wall! His eyes speaking volumes of something else entirely, Raph calmly directed, " Son, take a seat." Seth asked nervously, " Now?"
" NOW!" barked Raph. His look was becoming threatening. As if he was ready to be the 'muscle' in conjunction with Raph as interrogator, Mike stood nearby; his posture sentry-like.
Seth complied obediently, moving quickly over to a chair and sat down. He then heard his uncle address him, " Rahab found Gabby cryin' outside her bedroom not too long ago! She didn't want to talk about it when confronted. But, Rahab was insistant and that was when Gabby mentioned you! What'd you do to 'er?" Raph was nearly shouting by this time. He was clearly very upset.
Seth never wanted this to happen. Why, oh why couldn't he have just waited a couple more hours before kissing her? This mess wouldn't have happened if he had just taken the time.
Finally, dropping his head in despair, Seth replied, " I kissed her."

"You - kissed her? That's it? THAT'S all you did?" Raph barked. He looked at his nephew and saw how he was struggling. How could a kiss create such turmoil? Not believing it was that simple, Raph asked again, " Tell me once more what happened, Seth, an' I want the full story! This time, DO NOT drop yer head. I wanna to see yer eyes!"
Seth snapped his head up and looked back at the enraged turtle! He knew Raph demanded complete cooperation and nothing less.
Mike was shifting uncomfortably. He was just as concerned for the reason why Gabby was so distraught, yet Seth was twenty years old and not a kid anymore. But, here was Raph, Gabriella's father, who was very much alarmed and wanting to knowing what had upset her. Mike couldn't blame him!
Seth took a deep breath and started to explain, " I was in the gym just working out. Gabby came down to see what was going on." He hesitated, but Raph gave him a look which suggested that he not. Seth took a breath to still his anxiety, then continued, "I was sort of in that zone with my workout. Knowing Gabby was there, I lost focus on what I was suppose to be doing." He swallowed, trying to find some moisture, but found none. He continued, " Gabby was in the stairwell trying not to be noticed. I made some comment about her being a lousy ninja. I was only kidding, but I thought it amusing that she tried to sneak up on me." Seth had hoped his last comment would have at least given his interrogator a smile, but he was sorely disappointed! Raph's expression was flat and void of emotion - as was Mike's. Seth then said, "Anyway, I - ah - noticed I had made her uncomfortable; she was starting to leave. So I jumped up to where she was." He stammered, becoming more uncomfortable as his explanation progressed. Seth nearly choked out the last words, "I was only going to reassure her, but th-that's when....I kissed her!" and his composure nearly collapsed. He still felt very strongly that he had acted inappropriately towards Gabby. Regardless of Don's discoveries, Seth knew his own behavior had hurt her deeply. It was as simple as that. Momentarily, he dropped his gaze, which only prompted a reaction from Raph.
" I didn't say you can break contact wit me, Seth!" he said calmly. Seth resumed his visual point on his uncle, trying to regain his composure.
Trying not to smirk, Mike asked, " So, what happened next?" He found it rather humorous that his stepson would be so personally chastised over kissing Gabriella.
Seth looked over at his stepfather and then back again to Raph. He reluctantly went about telling them how awful he felt and the struggle he had with Gabby being his cousin. He told them about the insights he gained through reading his Bible and then his decision to leave for Japan. Finally, he shared with them about meeting Gabby again by her doorway and telling her that he shouldn't have kissed her. He told them about his conversation with Don and Leo just before coming back to the house. However, as Seth gained confidence, he mentioned the change in his plans to go back to the Ryu in Japan, "After talking with Don and my dad, though, I'm realizing that I don't have to leave!" Seth saw Raph had not improved on his ugly mood, " Unless.....you want me to, Sir!" Seth swallowed, expecting such a decree from his uncle. Despite Leo's advice to staying in Big Sur, Seth's original idea of returning to the Ryu in Japan might end up happening anyway. He resigned himself to whatever fate Raph decided for him.
His uncle tried to stand. Mike attempted to help him up, but Raph waved him away, " I can do this, Mikey, Okay!" Raph then glowered at Seth, who was now standing as well. The turtle tested his balance a little before starting towards his nephew.
Seth was watching his uncle move, taking in any sign of weakness to see if it would prevent him from chasing after him. Seth was pretty fast and he could certainly go ninja at any given moment. Yet, his integrity and character was such that he felt it would have been cowardly to run. He decided to stand his ground, resigned to whatever punishment Raph implemented. He just hoped that Leo wouldn't get involved later on and come to his defense. His father's angst with Raph's temper was long- suffering and the stuff of family lore!
Raph walked carefully over to Seth, mindful of how badly he hurt, now that he was vertical! He winced as he came up to his nephew. He took the young man's shoulders with both hands for support, squeezing firmly. Seth cringed as he felt the power that Raph still possessed! Despite his weakened state, his uncle was still formidable! However, he never lost contact with Raph's face. He saw determination in his uncle and a strength that suggested he was more than capable of taking Seth apart - if prompted to do so!
Raph began, commanding, " Now, this is what yer going to do! Yer goin'a march outside and apologize to my daughter! Yer goin'a put a smile on her face - you got me? Tell 'er a joke; sing off key, whatever it takes! I just don't want to see 'er crying anymore - got it? She's had enough reasons to, already; Gabby doesn't need anymore - 'specially from you! "
Seth shook his head in affirmation.
Raph continued, " Then, yer goin'a take her to town tomorrow and get her outta here for a while. She needs to spread her wings. I can trust you, can't I, to keep 'er safe? You and Devon, that is? You need chaperoning but not by one of us!"
" Devon?? Hey, not Dev...." Seth started to protest, but caught he Raph's look and decided to swallow it back.
" Yes, DEVON! I've already called him at work and he is more than willing! If there is anyone who can tell if things are gettin' too heated, it's my son, okay! I know his rep, so don't lecture me about it!" Raph finally smiled, adding, " But, I better not have any more reasons t' have a conversation like I just had wit you! AND, I better not have any good reasons t' grab my 'shotgun', either! Got it?"
" Y - Yes sir. Don't have to worry about that, no siree - Gabby's as safe with me as she would be with...." he momentarily thought of his father and then wisely decided against it, ". as she would be with you!"
" Good, that's what I want to hear! Now - go!" and Raph pointed towards the backyard. Mike smiled as he watched his stepson break for the sliding door! He didn't think he'd ever seen him move so fast!

Seth couldn't get out there fast enough - only because his eyes were starting to tear from all that staring. He had been so intimidated over Raph's fury that he had neglected to blink throughout the interrogating!

Seth quietly closed the sliding patio door behind him. He walked with much determination over to where Gabby and Rahab sat, studying both to sense their mood. It appeared that things had calmed down since the last time he was outside. That gave him a little bit of hope!

Earlier, Rahab had heard Raph's voice from inside the house, it's pitch rising on occasion, suggesting he was less than pleased with Seth. As she watched him approach, Rahab knew her son had been chastised severely. His expression was contrite and solemn. She smiled, knowing that he would never intentionally hurt anyone, least of all Gabriella. Yet, it surprised Rahab that he hadn't been more sensitive to her than he was.
" Mother." he acknowledged her, " I would like a word with Gabby, please!"
Rahab nodded and patted Gabby's hand. She then stole back into the house to give them some privacy.

" Let's go over to the fire pit, okay? " he suggested to Gabby.
She didn't resist as she was emotionally spent and, in all honesty, wanted to be with him despite how he had hurt her. Talking with Rahab had helped her understand him better, too.
Seth took Gabby's hand and led her over to the pit and down the steps to the bottom. By being below the patio level, he could talk to her where their voices would be somewhat muffled.
" I'm sorry if I've hurt you, Gabby! I didn't mean to, but I was so confused by ...." Seth saw immediately her eyes well up with tears, " Oh, ...please forgive me, Gabby!" He hugged her and she started to cry. He continued to hold her until she calmed down. Embracing her, he explained, pushing his face into her hair, " I never meant to hurt you, not ever. The fact that we're related just kept getting in the way of my feelings for you. I just had an awful time with it and the last thing I wanted to do was put that onto you!" He sighed, nearly coming to the same emotional state as she, but he swallowed it back and continued, " I guess the rest of the family knew where this relationship was going before we did, though!"
Gabriella pulled away from him a little and looked at him, surprised, "They did?"
"Yeah, and what you said last night before Don threw us in the pool." He saw Gabby smile, and then he smiled back at her, " It piqued his curiosity. He called my sister, Gaele, this morning and had her contact the geneticist who discovered my father and uncles' origins. Seems the question of who the father was has caused quite a stir!"
" Did - she find out anything?" Gabby asked, a sob escaping her throat.
Seth gently wiped the tears from her face as he told her, " Yes! For one, it's not a problem now for us to - well...date! It seems my dad and Don have the same father, but your Dad's father is someone different! Don jokingly claimed it justified his belief that Raph has snapper in him!!" Seth laughed.
Gabby came to Raph's defense, "He's - ah, I mean, Father - is not that bad! He's rather nice, really!!" She looked annoyed, but she understood the humor, just the same.
" Oh yeah? Well, you should have seen him just a few minutes ago!! I honestly thought he was going to flatten me right then and there! All I can say is I'm sorry he's hurt but I'm glad he doesn't have his full strength back yet! I think my shoulders are going to ache for days!!!"
She saw Seth flinch a little with the discomfort he was still feeling. She touched the area on his shoulders, causing him to wince. Pulling her hand back quickly, she exclaimed, " Wow, he did that to you?"
" Shush, don't worry about it. I've been hurt worse by my dad sparring!! But, Raph wanted to make a point and that's how he does things. It's a ninja thing. But, you can be sure, he'd never lay a hand on you!"
" So, now what? What do we do as far as - 'us' is concerned?" Gabby asked.
" Well, you know that little town you came through when you first arrived a few days ago?" Seth said.
" I remember, but it looked pretty crowded and I don't have my hooded cape anymore. Don threw it away, I think. " Gabby replied.
" Cape? Really, you wore a cape? How come?" he asked.
Gabby went silent. She was still miffed that Don had taken her cape and hid it away, or threw it away. Regardless, she had yet to learn of it's fate. She then explained to Seth, " The professor made me wear it whenever I went out to hide my appearance. The hood kept people from seeing who I was and I just became used to wearing it in public." She started to shake a little bit, thinking about people - humans, particularly - looking at her, " I can't imagine going anywhere outside of Mike's place without it. I don't know 'bout going into town, Seth! Just the thought of it makes me nervous."
He laughed, holding her tighter to stop the shaking, " You think that all of us stay up here in this huge house day in and day out and never venture down the hill to go shopping? You think that no one knows we're here?"
Gabby felt she was being mocked a little by Seth. She responded just a bit irritably, " Well, it is a big house, right? You don't really go down there and - ah - mingle with people, do you?" She held herself in check, though, and didn't further her attitude.
Noticing her mood change, Seth replied gently, " Yes!" He then pulled away from her a bit and looked deep into her eyes. He hadn't had time to hear everything about Gabby. He thought her reclusive nature was entirely the work of the professor. Yet, upon thinking about it, he realized that Gabby probably was never given a chance to acquaint herself with humans, other than with the professor. It was completely understandable that she would develop the same paranoia that he had. Seth explained, "I went to school with humans, Gabby! Yeah, there're some jerks in the bunch. But if you conduct yourself in a respectable manner, before too long, they'll ignore what you look like and just focus on who you are! However, I think I have a solution for you." He smiled at her and rubbed his nose against hers, " I know my mom has some scarves; you can borrow one of hers! I'm sure she won't mind!"
Remembering the episode on the plane when she first arrived in California, Gabby said softly, " But, Don hates me hiding like that!"
" You won't be hiding, Gabby!" Seth entreated as he held her tight to himself, " The scarf will only cover your head! Trust me, nothing's going to happen to you. Don owns several shops and businesses in Carmel and we'll just stick to those places. We are not as much an oddity there as we would be some place else." He pulled away from Gabby a little and told her, "We've lived here for almost eighteen years! The people in Carmel know us pretty well." He kissed her forehead affectionately, then added. " Devon is going to go with us, okay? He's a bit bigger than me and he has a rep for not taking guff from anyone. Kind of like Raph! " Seth smiled. " We'll make a day of it, maybe we'll even visit the beach!"
Gabby was so vexed with mixed emotions. She was thrilled that Seth was now free to be with her and that he wouldn't be trying to avoid her. But, she was also terrified of what tomorrow may bring. Gabby wanted so much to get passed her fears, but there seemed to be a lot she had to overcome.

Rahab had quite an assortment of scarves, as it turned out, which amazed Gabriella. Her aunt explained that she enjoyed riding in Mike's Ferrari, but she hated her hair being whipped around. So, she indulged herself in collecting the head coverings. " I think this black scarf should work!" she exclaimed. " Personally, I don't blame you for being a little skittish about going into town!"
Gabby asked, a bit alarmed, " Why?!"
" Oh, I mean Carmel is nice and the people there are very accommodating, but you don't know that. All you ever knew was that you had to hide whenever you went out in public! You'll get used to it, don't worry."
" Do you go into town?" Gabriella asked.
" Sometimes. Mike always goes with me, though. Good thing to remember, too! Having an escort is like having that hooded cape, it protects you from people getting - well - too nosey!! " and she smiled.

Gabriella decided to wear her swimsuit under her shirt and pants, just in case they did go to the beach! It had been a very long time since she had visited any beach and she missed the feel of sand crunching up through her toes! She was truly hoping they would have time to go there today.

Before they left, Don had privately given Seth and Devon some insight how Gabby was in public. He encouraged them to not push her too far. In retrospect, he felt that he had made an error on his part regarding that.
With a few words of advice given to Gabby, the entire household gave them a send off from the front porch. Even Raph managed to walk out with them, despite his discomfort.
Earlier, he had told her to stick with his son and nephew, " Either of them can protect you. We've trained them quite well, Gabby! You have nothing to be concerned about!" He had noticed she was especially anxious, yet Raph decided to ignore it. Experience was what she needed, not a lecture.

Devon drove, with Seth in front and Gabby in the back. She preferred it that way, as it turned out, and practically had to force the issue with Seth to let her sit back there. The windows in the Jeep were tinted, so that was a relief for her. The drive down the hill was exhilarating for Gabby! Devon had the front windows open, so the warm breeze fluttered into the car. Gabby never had that experience before and she rather liked it. She also appreciated the black scarf holding her hair down. With the many curls and ringlets that she had naturally, by the time they would have arrived in Carmel, Gabby would have looked like she had a bird's nest on her head.

The last time she had been down this road was at night and only four days ago. It seemed much longer, however. Between meeting Don and Raph the first time and trying to elude them, to the frightening experience of being on a plane for the first time, Gabby had been terrified! What a change four days could make! It seemed like a lifetime to her and she smiled at the difference in how she felt.

Driving north along Highway One, she couldn't take her eyes off the ocean! It was so beautiful in the late morning! It was almost eleven and the sun had already melted off the mist that rolled in during the night. People were already out and about on their surfboards or just taking in the late summer rays along the beach.
Devon exclaimed as he spied one surfer take a dive, " Ha, he didn't keep the end of his board up! Gad, I want to be out there right now!!"
" Best you concentrate on driving, Devon!" Seth complained. " This two-lane road is not very forgiving!"
" Hey, I know this highway. I could drive it blindfolded!!" But, Gabby did notice that Devon did pay extra attention after that.
As they approached the outskirts of town, she saw more and more people. Some, who recognized Devon's car, waved excitedly. Gabby was awestruck, "They know you?" she asked him.
" Yep! Hey! There's Jason - gotta see what's cookin' between him and Melissa. Give me a sec, okay?"
Devon quickly turned right onto Crossroads Blvd. He found a spot and parked the Jeep, then jumped out. Seth just sighed, " So much like his dad, impetuous!" he seemed to complain.
Gabby was just horrified that Devon would jump out of the Jeep in the middle of the day for all to see! But, she noticed that, for the most part, people went about their business as if he were just another human! She watched as he talked excitedly with his friend, Jason. Then, she saw Devon point towards the Jeep and the next thing she noticed was Jason walking over to the car with Devon!

" NO, please, I'm not ready for that!" Gabby exclaimed, stifling a scream.

Seth turned around and grabbed Gabby's hand, " It's all right; Jason is harmless. Devon probably told him I'm in town. He's known Jason for years, used to work for Mike!"
"Hey, Seth, ol' man, what's hangin', eh? How's Japan treatin' ya? How long's it been? A year?" Jason reached in through the opened window with the top half of his body. He took Seth's hand. They did a funny little handshake and that was when the human noticed Gabby. " Say, did you bring her back from Japan? Gad, what a looker! Shoot, should have been born a lizard, man - could have had a chance with you, eh, Babe?!" and he winked at her.
Gabby was horrified. This 'creature' was tattooed all up one arm, had something like a small bolt in his lip, and when he talked, another bolt protruded from his tongue. He had half a dozen small hoop earrings on the outside of his ears, as well. " Was this a human?" , she asked herself, clearly alarmed!
Seth just looked at him and shook his head, " You'll never change, Jason! Just zip it okay? It's her first time in town, so keep your comments short. Dig?"
" Yeah, yeah, same ol' wet rag aren't ya! Hey, good to see you again - you, too, Sweets!" and Jason slithered himself from the car door and stood outside, talking a bit more with Devon before going on about his business.
"Hey, that Jason - always a crack-up!" Devon exclaimed, laughing as he jumped into the driver's seat. " Guess he and Melissa are gettin' hitched! Sometime next June, I think. Anyway, goin'a be a big celebration. Glad he's making it 'fficial!" and the Devon started up the Jeep, pulled back onto the main road and took off again towards the heart of Carmel.
Seth turned around to say something about Carmel to Gabby, but - to his surprise - he saw that she was flat against the back of the Jeep. She was hugging the corner of the backseat, taking quick panic breaths as she fought to regain her composure. Gabby's eyes were staring straight ahead like a deer caught in headlights. " Hey, Devon, pull over. I think she's in shock!" Seth said in alarm.
He climbed into the back next to Gabby while Devon found an area to park. He then took her by the shoulders, " Hey, Gab, snap out of it. He's gone, okay. HEY!!" She broke out of her trance and looked at him, asking, "What was he?"
Devon started laughing, looking back at his sister, " What was he? HA!! I love it! Hey, Gabs, Jason's my best friend next to Seth here, okay! He's harmless in about the biggest way. He's just loud and boisterous - like me! That's why we get along! Just think of me, okay, and you'll have a good idea what Jason is like!" and he grinned. But, he could tell that Gabby was not buying it. "Man, " he thought, " she has it BAD!" and started up the Jeep again.
Seth remained in the back seat for the duration of the ride. He talked softly to Gabby to reassure her that most humans wouldn't be reaching into the car and were more polite than Jason was. "He's just way out there with enthusiasm. A real party guy! Mike likes him! So if Mike likes him, then that's pretty cool, huh?!"
She just nodded her head, not wanting to talk about it. Gabby held on to Seth, though, which he rather enjoyed. He had his arm around her shoulders, giving her a sense of security.
Devon kept looking back in his review mirror, watching his sister and truly wondering if taking her to Carmel was such a bright idea. " What was Pops thinking 'bout anyway?!" he seethed to himself.

Devon parked the Jeep down the main thoroughfare in town. They just sat there with the windows up to give Gabby a safe spot to observe. Because it was warm enough out to heat up the car, they kept the AC going.

The three of them watched as people milled about the shops; going in and then coming out with their purchases. Gabby was intrigued with the different stores in their general area. "What stores does Don own?" she asked. "Oh, there's a few on Ocean and maybe a couple down on Lincoln St. Why?" Seth answered. "Just wondering. I've never been in a store like they have here. I've gone to the supermarket in Connecticut on occasion, but never a novelty shop." Gabby was sounding a little more relaxed with her curiosity piqued.

Devon and Seth both looked at each other and felt it was time.
" Hey, Gabs, you hungry?" Devon asked, turning around in his seat.
Gabby was starting to get used to things, but she still wasn't near to exiting the car. " Not at the moment." was all she could say.
Seth held her and said, " We need to get out, Gabby. Devon and I'll be right next to you, like bookends, okay? No Jasons here - I promise!"
Devon entreated, trying to convince Gabby, "Hey, my mom eats at this place all the time. Don owns it so they're really used to us! No big deal, 'kay?"
Finally, she realized that if Seth and Devon could do it and Rahab was used to coming to town, then she was just going to have to overcome this insanely paranoid attitude. " Okay, ah, but don't leave me!" she pleaded.
" No problemo, Sis!" Devon exclaimed as he jumped out of the car.
Seth gently opened his door and eased himself out. Trying to physically remain calm to communicate that to Gabby, he reached for her hand. At first she hesitated, having second thoughts about this whole plan of 'going into town'. " Whose idea was this again?" she asked meekly.
" Raph - your father, remember! Do you think he would suggest this if you weren't ready?" Seth answered.
" No - I guess not." and she let him pull her out of the car. After shutting the door and locking it, the two brothers escorted Gabby towards the restaurant. In her opinion, it was the longest walk of her life. People did take note of them, but only because of Gabby's auburn hair! It was a marked difference between the three. There were a few people who rubber necked a bit, so Devon gave them one of his smiles. However, it was more of a sneer, which hurried the people on their way. Devon just shrugged and then laughed it off. "Humans!" he snickered.
Devon opened the door of the restaurant and walked in first. Seth kept Gabby outside for a moment. "Why aren't we going in?" she asked.
" Devon's getting us a table. It'll take a moment. Just be patient." Seth said. He looked around and was relieved to see that the novelty of seeing a red-haired reptile had finally lost it's charm; people were going back to what they were doing. "Good. I'd just as soon wipe their faces off if they stared any longer" he thought to himself.
" Hey, we're good to go in here!!" Devon declared as he stuck his head out the door.

The waitress greeted them with a warm smile, introducing herself as Ann. She then complimented Gabby on her outfit. Gabby didn't know what to say other than "Thank you." " See seems nice enough." she thought to herself. Ann sat them near the back behind a partition. The location offered just enough security for them and gave Gabby a limited view out a window to watch the people walk by. The waitress then handed each of them a menu.
" We have a special today...." but Seth gently cut her off, telling her they would be ordering from the menu. She left them to make their selections.
Gabriella looked over the list of entrees and recognized many of them. She was afraid that she would have a similar experience as she had in Hartford at the Blue Pelican. Gabby was pleasantly surprised to find a hamburger on the menu with fries, so she decided that's what she'd have.
Devon chose a steak with all the trimmings while Seth decided on a salad with a side of soup. He wasn't too hungry but knew he would be later on if he didn't eat now.

From the safety of the restaurant and where they sat, Gabby could observe the people outside come and go. A few saw her and momentarily stared, but they looked like tourists rather than locals. Devon smiled, again, which put them hastily back on whatever route they were on originally.

Getting an idea, Devon suggested, turning back to his sister, " Gabby, if you see people staring at you, just stare back and then do this!" Devon screwed up his face. He looked like one of those Chinese demon masks Gabby had seen in books the professor had.
She started to giggle. " No, that would give them a heart attack! Oh my, Devon, cut it out - that scares even me!" and she laughed some more! Seth had to laugh, too, because Gabby was right With his face all scrunched up, Devon with his green skin and blue hair did indeed look like one of those masks!

Finally, Ann returned to take their order. Soon after, they were quickly served. One thing Devon did not like was to wait for his meal - especially in a restaurant. The manager knew when he came in that whatever order was up next, it was put behind theirs. It was a wise thing to do with their Uncle Don as the owner!

"So, Gabs, how you like the food?" Devon asked they he ate.
"Fine! They make good hamburgers. " she replied between mouthfuls. She watched the people as they walked by the window. No one looked in at them anymore, which allowed Gabby to gradually settle down even more.
Seth could sense that she was less anxious. He watched her casually, but not directly, through glances as he ate. He was sure that, with enough time, she would get used to being around humans. After all, wasn't the one person who raised her a human? As he considered her, Seth thought she was quite a paradox!

When they were done eating, they went to pay for their meal and then left. Gabby had to admit that it ended up being a lot less painful that she imagined yesterday! She was appearing to adjust being around humans and both Seth and Devon noticed it.
It was nearly one in the afternoon and getting busier with people. Devon and Seth had a harder time book-ending Gabby and at one point they had to walk single file. Seth took up the rear, keeping one hand on Gabby's shoulder for assurance. They window-shopped for a while, sometimes going in and browsing, other times just looking at the various window displays. People moved around them on the sidewalk, but very few paid any mind to the trio of reptilian window shoppers!

Taking a turn down Lincoln Street, Gabby spied something that really caught her interest. "Oh, look, a music store! Can we go in and look around?" It was the first real enthusiasm either Seth or Devon had seen in her since they arrived.

"Ah, Don doesn't own that one, Gabby. I think it has a new owner. Don likes to square things first before letting us go into any of the newer stores." Seth explained.

" Oh." She was very disappointed. Gabby looked in at the window display, fingering the glass as she visually explored the contents of what was there. She noticed a woman towards the back, who took notice of Gabby and waved at her, smiling. Gabby pulled back, somewhat surprised, but intrigued that this human would smile at her when she didn't even know her.

Devon considered how well she sang the other day and figured his sister probably loved music. Glancing at his brother quickly, he subtly jerked his head towards the store. Seth considered the implication, then finally nodded reluctantly.

" Hey, just because Don hasn't been here, that shouldn't stop us, right, Bro?" Devon declared with a smile.

" So long as they behave themselves, no, I guess not!" Seth conceded.

There were proprietors who resented Don buying up some of the businesses and were not very courteous towards anyone from his family. In Seth's opinion, though, it was their loss! The kind of money that his family could spend in Carmel should have made any of the shop owners more receptive to them. However, it was a known fact that this was a grudge that ran deep with some. Just the same, they were smart enough to leave Seth's family alone.

Devon opened the door for Gabby and then the three of them went inside. It was a well appointed shop, neatly stocked with a variety of merchandise to pique any music enthusiasts interest. There were music boxes and small instruments collected on the various shelves. Signs describing each item were placed nearby, indicating the article's authenticity, bits and pieces of trivia, and information of interest. Also, collectable antiques were displayed along the back where they acted as a partition to the less business-oriented part of the shop. A curtain hung from the top of the rear doorway, obscuring what was probably a more personal area for the proprietor.
A player piano sat near the front of the store to attract people and it was currently playing a rendition of The Entertainer. Gabby walked over to the instrument and was transfixed with how the keys moved. She had never seen a piano that that before. " I wonder how it does that?" she asked, mostly to herself. But, the shop owner heard her and walked over to Gabriella.
The petite woman started telling her how the mechanics of the piano worked. She stood just a little taller than Gabriella, with a lean physique and bright blue eyes. Her hair was a light brown and naturally curly and she wore it tied behind her in a low-slung ponytail secured with a black and gold scarf. She wore black slacks and a plain white shirt that was tucked in. The woman was simply dressed but the way she moved indicated a certain grace and elegance her wardrobe denied her.
The shop owner smiled at Gabby as she opened up the top of the piano to let the girl see the insides, and then the tin roll of music that directed the hammers down on the appropriate strings. Gabby was amused. She asked, " I guess if one can't play the piano, they would get one of these?"
" Well, you can actually play this piano and not use the tin rolls!" the woman said, plinking down a few of the white keys. She looked at her customer and smiled, her eyes sparkling.

" Really. Kind of convenient." Gabby smiled. She fingered the keys herself and seemed to delight in the sound they made.

Seth and Devon were just staring. Here was Gabby, once terrified of everything around her, and, now, she was conversing with a complete stranger! Music, it seemed, might be an important ingredient for building her confidence.

The owner took Gabby through the store, explaining a variety of odd musical instruments to her and just chatting in general. The lady seemed very accommodating to the Seth and Devon, but took more time than either of them had wanted to spend in the store. However, they endured their boredom since Gabby was becoming more relaxed by the minute. Other customers came and went, but the owner's focus was on Gabriella's exploration of the establishment. The best thing was, Gabby paid no mind to the customers that browsed the store!
The owner would momentarily leave her to follow up on a sale, but then would return shortly thereafter. After about an hour, Gabby's curiosity was finally satisfied. She thanked the shop owner, "I had a delightful time! Thank you so much!"

The owner replied, " It was my pleasure. My name is Cassandra. Just stop in whenever you're by. Maybe the next time we can sip some tea together and chat a bit! My door will always be opened to you!"

Gabby felt she had made her first friend outside the family and it felt good! She shook Cassandra's hand and felt strength there that surprised her. " You must work out!" she mentioned to the woman.

Cassandra replied, " Only on the piano, dear!" and laughed a little, nodding towards the other two! Then, Gabby said her goodbyes and left the store with Seth and Devon.

Once they were making their way back to Ocean Ave, Devon exclaimed, " Say, you did really well in there, Gabs!! " He was walking backwards, talking to her. Suddenly, a young man on a bicycle, too distracted with trying to avoid a crowd of people, nearly ran into them. Seth grabbed Gabby and pulled her back to get her out of the way. But the biker inadvertently clipped Devon's tail and went sailing over the handlebars and into some bushes. Devon swung around so fast, he almost lashed Gabby with his extremity, which was now sore. " Whoa, buddy, watch the tail, okay?" he called out. Then, noticing the man was down, went over to help him up.
" So sorry, really - huh? What the...? " the man exclaimed as he finally looked at the person he had run into.

Devon immediately recognized the expression - surprise! Obviously, this guy was new in town or just visiting. Sticking out his hand in a gesture of friendship, Devon introduced himself, " Hey there, hope you're okay! I'm Devon, this here's my sis, Gabby, and my brother Seth! Funny way to meet, but hope you're not hurt!" He smiled, hoping it would appear friendly!

The man was stammering as he tried frantically to get back on his bike. He nodded as friendly as he could, but started peddling away as fast as he was able. " Okay, be that way! You're the one missin' out though!" and Devon laughed. " People! You'd think if we're here walking around and talking, we'd be pretty harmless. But, maybe not?"

Gabby just looked at Devon and asked, " Are you alright? He ran right into your tail! Does it hurt?"

" A bit, but it'll go away. Most people aren't watching for tails, so I'm kind of used to it!" and he chuckled.

After another hour of more window-shopping, Seth noticed that Gabby seemed more at ease with herself as well as with the people around her. He took her hand and smiled at her, "You're doing alright, Gabriella! I think Don and Raph would be proud of you right now!" and he hugged her. She smiled meekly, a little embarrassed by his show of affection.

"Seth, not out here in front of everyone!" and she blushed.

" Okay, guys, either find a room or knock it off. " Devon chided. He had noticed, too, his sister's improved response towards being out in the open. Maybe this Carmel idea wasn't such a bad one after all.

They decided to walk across south across Ocean Ave. and took a path that led them into a courtyard. There was music playing that was coming out of a building at the far end of the courtyard. A crowd of people were milling around the outside of it. Gabby heard singing and she was instantly drawn towards it. She didn't recognize the tune, but the person singing seemed to be a little off on their notes - and it annoyed her! Gabby started walking in that direction, her curiosity pulling her away from Devon and Seth.

" Hey, there, Gabs, let's not intrude, okay! " Devon cautioned, cutting her off.

" Why? They're singing, that's all." she asked.

Seth chimed in, " It's a karaoke bar, Gabby. We don't need to be there." and he gently took her arm and pulled her away.

" But why can't we? I don't understand?" she asked, looking back towards the music.

Seth gently turned her around to face him and he tried to explain, "The people that frequent there are a rowdy bunch. Don's been trying to get rid of this place for years, but it brings in the business for the other stores, so he hasn't been too successful. That bar has a policy of forcing people on stage and making them sing to get off! If they see you, well let's just say you'd be up on that stage faster that you can blink. No, I don't think it would be good for you- or for us!" and the look he gave her said there'd be no argument about it.

Gabby was disappointed like she was back at the music store, but this time Seth would not budge from his decision. So, she conceded and allowed him to lead her away.

They visited the other courtyard shops and then headed back to the main part of town. The music from the karaoke bar was still loud enough to entice Gabby, though. Her insecurities were pretty much gone now with being out in the open. She was also starting to like the idea of getting on stage and singing. What would it hurt if she sang? The professor had always told her that she had one of those voices people love to listen to. Even Don and Raph seemed to have enjoyed her singing! Gabby was starting to get her confidence, and along with it, a bit of her stubbornness. She looked back at the bar and wondered if they had any of Serena Brightwell songs.

Around two in the afternoon, they went back to the Jeep to grab the beach towels they brought along and then made theiry way to the beach at the west end of Ocean Ave.

Gabby took her shoes off and let her toes sink into the sand. Seth laughed, watching her and then tried to get her to run. Devon decided catching a nap would be better. He plopped down on his towel, saying "You guys go enjoy yourselves! I'm going to catch a few z's!"

" Hey, can we get closer to the water?" Gabby asked, looking at the small waves that were flowing over the sand.

" You might get wet!" Seth warned.

"I have my swimsuit on!! I figured if we went to the beach...." She smiled.

Seth always wore his swimsuit whenever he was in town, just in case the beach called him. Both he and Devon were habitually prepared for water; it was their thing to do!

" Okay, then! Let's do it!" and he took his shorts off, revealing his orange trunks. However, he left his shirt on just to minimize certain attributes as much as possible.

Once they were both ready, they ran to the water's edge, leaving Devon back with the blankets. Some people nearby were startled to see green running towards the surf, but most were familiar with these unique people. However, Gabby with her auburn hair drew most of the attention. Despite the stares, though, she could care less at that point! People didn't scare her anymore and it was an exhilerating feeling, like being released from solitary confinement!

They played in the surf along the shoreline for a good long while. Gabby had never experienced so much fun in her life. The professor was always her only companion and he did not enjoy the water - especially salt water. Gabby, however, exhilarated in it. However, despite the fact she was a strong swimmer, she never ventured too far from shore. Her innate fear of 'things' in the ocean and not knowing how deep the water was, terrified her to no end! But, she did like the surf swirling around her ankles, though. In one instance, Seth swam out farther than she had wanted him to, her own fearful voice directing him back. " What's wrong, Gabs?" he asked as he came out of the water.

" It just makes me nervous, that's all." Gabby explained and then asked, "How deep is it out there?"

" Oh, just beyond the surf, it goes down about forty or fifty feet. But way out there a couple hundred yards out from here, it drops down pretty far. The Monterey Trench is right out there. " Seth answered. Yet, he saw immediately that he should have not said anything about the 'Trench. Gabby's eyes began to widen considerably. "Hey, we're not going out there, okay! We're here on the beach, remember?!! "

She nodded and then smiled, feeling silly worrying about it. After all, Seth did say it was 'way out there'. In that instant, he grabbed her and hugged her, getting her all wet in the process - which was what he wanted to do! She screamed and tried to pulled away, but Seth refused to let her go, laughing. He was cold and it was just a little too much so. She struggled against him, but he was too strong. While she was still struggling, he released her. Gabby lost her balance and then tripped backward, going down in the surf as it came washing around her. Seth laughed so hard he doubled over. In one very quick motion, though, Gabby swept his legs out from under him and he went down on his backside, facing her! The look of surprise on his face was so funny, Gabby couldn't contain her mirth. She fell back against the sand and allowed the waves to completely engulf her, she was laughing so hard. Seth watched her and was quite pleased that she had finally found herself. In that moment, he knew that she was the one!

They decided to dry off by walking along the beach. Seth felt especially proud of Gabby. She had made such a turn in her confidence and he knew, in part, it was because of the music store. He was going to have to visit that shop again and maybe buy something to reward her with - and thank the proprietor, Cassandra, for being so kind. It was definitely going to be on the family's A-list of places to visit. He'd have to tell Don when they returned home. Don was always on the look-out for anyone who treated his family fairly. He always benefited that person in ways beyond their imagination!

The salt air and the water had a tiring effect on both Gabby and Seth. They went back to where Devon was, heard his snoring, laughed a bit at him, but then decided to lay down and follow his example. Once their towels were laid out, they sat down and talked.
" So, how do you like Carmel, Gabby?" Seth asked.
She replied, " Great! I think I've conquered some things today! " Gabby smiled triumphantly.
Seth agreed, " I think you have, too!" and he hugged her. Then - before he could help himself - he kissed her. Not necessarily as deep as he did in the stairwell, but just the same it gave Gabby a giddy feeling.
Seth told her as he pulled away, cupping her face with his hands " Ah, we need to talk about a great many things, Gabs, before we let this get out of control! When we get back home, I want to share some thoughts with you! I've been wanting to ever since yesterday after I kissed you in the stairwell. "

As she looked at him, he seemed so serious. But, Gabby just smiled. Whatever it was he had to tell her, it couldn't compare to the kiss he just gave her. Because this time, Seth didn't run away!